Welcome to ON TARGET, Graves County Economic Development's (GCED) bi-monthly newsletter. Here you can learn economic development updates, projects, and upcoming events. In this edition of ON TARGET we'll discuss recent events, project updates, and what we're looking forward to in the future.

May

Your Support of Student Programs Driving Positive Change

As we come to the end of the school year and celebrate the personal success stories of family and friends, we want to also acknowledge the success of GCED’s student development programs, Community Connections and Power in Partnership, made possible with the continuing support of the business community and many individual champions.

To our partners, the Mayfield-Graves County Area Technology Center, Graves County and Mayfield Independent Schools, the City of Mayfield, Mayfield/Graves County Chamber of Commerce, the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce and the West Kentucky Workforce Board, thank you for believing in this vision and helping make it a reality.



For the business leaders who power this program, we are inspired by your generous commitment to supporting Graves County’s future workforce and building the leaders that will carry our community forward in the years ahead.

Watch for a news release later this month with summaries of both programs. Meanwhile, congratulations to all the participants on helping change the lives of individual students and preparing a workforce that will be a powerful resource for years to come.

GCED Receives $2 Million KY Product Development Initiative Grant

GCED is pleased to announce it has received a $2 million grant from the Kentucky Product Development Initiative (KPDI) to construct two spec buildings in Mayfield in partnership with Youngblood Excavating & Contracting Company (YEC).

Economic development organizations and local governments across the commonwealth compete for the KPDI grants, made possible through a partnership between the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development (KCED), the Kentucky Association for Economic Development (KAED), and a product development fund created by the state in 2022. 

“It is a privilege to partner with GCED on this project and bring to life our shared vision for the light industrial expansion of Grace Commercial Park," said YEC owner Brad Youngblood.

Ambition Meets Opportunity:

New Video Captures Internship Fair Opening Doors to Future Careers

More than 400 high school juniors recently embarked on a journey to discover their passions and build their careers at the recent Community Connections Internship Fair and GCED has a new video that captures the spirit of this first-of-its kind local event.

Internship Fair partners include the Mayfield Graves County Chamber of Commerce, Graves County Schools, Mayfield Independent Schools, and the Mayfield/Graves County Area Technology Center. See the video here.

Students from both Mayfield Independent and Graves County schools attended the event and met with representatives from 28 local companies to explore career pathways, build community relationships, and identify ways to gain real-world work experience. The students had prepared resumes and shared those with businesses with the goal of securing an internship, part-time, or summer job.

Graves County Economic Development Welcomes

Premier Candle US Corp.

GCED is excited to welcome Premier Candle US Corp. to Kentucky. On April 2, Premier Candle US Corp. acquired Mayfield Consumer Products, a long-standing candle and home fragrance manufacturer. Mayfield Consumer Products has played a key role in the local economy for decades, producing candles and fragrance products for major retailers.



GCED looks forward to supporting Premier Candle US Corp. as it builds on this legacy, strengthens operations, and contributes to job growth and economic momentum across Graves County.

Power in Partnership is a student-focused program fostered by the Mayfield-Graves County Area Technology Center (ATC) and GCED that brings a wide range of professionals to the ATC classrooms to share their expertise and offer career advice.

Usher Projects a Bright Future for Electrical Students

Dale Usher and Brian Webb from Usher, Inc. recently spent time with upper-level electricity students at the Mayfield/Graves County Area Technology Center (ATC) as part of the Power in Partnership workforce development program.

Usher and Webb discussed the significance of the electrical trade and predicted a surge in electrical jobs in the area.

Power in Partnership, a program for high school students that brings professionals to the classroom, is coordinated Graves County Economic Development (GCED) in partnership with the Mayfield/Graves ATC.

For any questions please call Jason at (270) 804 -1617 or send an email to jason@gravescountyed.com.